THE SHOPS AND OFFICES BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2673, 1 December 1909, Page 5

THE SHOPS AND OFFICES BILL.

PROTESTS FROM EAIPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS.

ri’KR Puksb Association.! CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 30. The following resolution was passed by the executive of the committee of the* Canterbury Employers' Association at a meeting held on Monday night: “Tliis executive protests most strongly against the proposals contained in the Shops and Offices Amendment Bill, wherein it is intended t<p override awards given by the Court of Arbitration after hearing full evidence from each side. This executive considers that such proposals are a reflection ou the Court, as they imply that the Court is not competent to do the work for which it was specially established. This executive further thinks that if Parliament considers the Court incompetent to do its work tlie Court should be abolished.” _ DUNEDIN, Nov. 30. At .& mooting of the Otago Employers’ Association to-dav, a resolution to the following effe.it was carried: “That this Association strongly protests against tho action of the Government in continuallv overriding the decisions of the Arbitration Court, and looks upon its action in connection with the proposed Shops and Offices Bill as unwarranted interference with the Arbitration Court. In tbs instance tlie Court has sat in every part of the Dominion and heard evidence in respect to hours, wages, and conditions of work in connection with hotel employees, and m many instances it lias increased wages and shortened hours.. The Governmenthow, without evidence, proposes to reduce the hours still further and at the same rate of pay as fixed by the Arbitration'Court, tlius upsetting the whole basis of the award. The meeting pledges itself to stand by the New Zealand. Employers’ Federation in anv stand it •may '©ee fit to take un in demanding that, decisions of the Court shall be respected by the Legslature. ”